The music blog of The Kansas City Star.

July 25, 2010

Review: Paul McCartney

Photos by Garvey Scott/The Star

When tickets went on sale for Paul McCartney's first show in Kansas City in more than 17 years, the ticket prices -- as high as $250 -- made even some hard-core Beatles fans mutter and stew. Saturday night during his show at the Sprint Center, McCartney took some of the sting out of that sticker shock with some impressive numbers of his own.

The show lasted about 12 minutes shy of three hours. The setlist comprised more than three dozen songs and touched many phases of his Beatles, Wings and solo careers. McCartney, who turned 68 in June, sang every one of those songs in a voice that started off strong and did not falter all night.

He left the stage only briefly before each encore. He also played an array of instruments -- bass, guitar (lead and rhythm), ukulele, mandolin, piano -- and acted like a cheerleader, master of ceremonies and earnest curator of the music that made him a legend.

Of the 15,000-plus who attended this show, most, I'm assuming, will put it down as one of their favorite shows ever, and not because they're rationalizing the ticket price. It was one of those shows -- certainly the year's best, certainly among the best ever at the Sprint Center and probably among anyone's shows of a lifetime. Expectations were high coming in; he exceeded them.

He opened with some classic Wings, "Venus and Mars/Rock Show" and then "Jet," from the "Band on the Run" album. Then came "All My Loving," the first of 23 Beatles songs. For the first third of the show, he shuffled them among his post-Beatle catalog, songs like "Highway" from his "Fireman" album and "Let Me Roll It," which he appended with "Foxy Lady" as a tribute to Jimi Hendrix.

McCartney was all-business most of the night, but he sprinkled some light chit-chat and anecdotes into his performance. He talked about Hendrix performing live "Sgt.Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" only days after the album had been released. He told the crowd he played "Paperback Writer" with the same guitar he used to record it, an Epiphone Casino. He kept saying how glad he was to be in Kansas (he was pardoned for that), but he also grunted a few lines of "Kansas City," the one from the musical "Oklahoma!"

He did not acknowledge Ringo Starr but he paid tribute to the Beatles who have passed on, first with "Here Today," a hymn for John Lennon. A few songs later, for George Harrison, he played a version of "Something" that started off as a jaunty ukelele number (Harrison was a master of the uke, he said), but turned quickly into something heavier and more like the original. All the while, black-and-white images of Harrison appeared on the video screen behind McCartney and the band. Later, he would end "A Day In The Life" with several choruses of "Give Peace a Chance."

He brought a four-piece band that added lots of bright, clean harmonies and played the best-known parts of the best-known songs close to the ways everyone knows them. The video screens showed mostly stage and crowd shots. During "Blackbird," the main screen shows an image of a tree in white silhouette, and a moon descended from above. During "Live and Let Die," flashpots and fireworks detonated from the foot of the stage.

The show, which plateaued a bit during the first hour, picked up considerable steam in the second, starting with "My Love," then a version of "I've Just Seen a Face" that had some Buck Owens flavor. When the crowd gave that one a big ovation, McCartney dubbed this "cowboy country."

He would toss in a couple recent numbers, like the frothy ditty "Dance Tonight," and then another "Fireman" song, the joyous "Sing the Changes," in which he proved he can out-anthem Springsteen and Bon Jovi combined.

The show took off from there, to another level of energy and connection between him, his band and the crowd. The mood was infectious. When he sang "Lady Madonna" and then "Get Back" during the first encore, a couple of KCMO police officers watching from the back of the lower level smiled and bobbed their heads gently.

It wasn't just the fail-proof pure-gold set list, songs that carry so much sentiment and so many memories -- including the dazzling performance of "Paperback Writer." It was the energy coming off the stage, most of it from a guy who seemed to be getting as much joy and satisfaction out of the night as everyone else. His stamina was astounding. So was his ability to change gears, dramatically and seamlessly. Like going from the warm and honeyed version of "Yesterday" to the primal screaming of "Helter Skelter." Or from "Let It Be" to "Live and Let Die" and then "Hey Jude," which ignited the loudest sing-along of the night.

He ended the evening with the reprise version of "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" --- "we're sorry but it's time to go" -- then "The End" from "Abbey Road," which includes one of his most famous lyrics, the one about getting as much love out of life as you put into io it.

It was the perfect close to a show that will be enshrined by most who saw it and were stirred into a deep and warm sentimental state. In the end, maybe money can't buy you love, but it can sure buy you three unforgettable hours of nostalgia and joy.

63 Comments

Spot on Tim. An incredible show. Hearing songs that I never imagined I would ever hear live left me speechless most of the show. I found it interesting how well the Wings material held up to the classic Beatles material. Great point about how seamless Paul was going from one band, style, and instrument to another. What a world treasure he is. Those of us that were there will never forget it.

would have liked to have been there... alas. but i celebrated in spirit listening to several Mccartney and Beatle cds. surprised he selected songs from the Firemen instead of from say "Flaming Pie" or some of the rockers from "Memory Almost Full." still, sounds like it was a great show. ***sigh***

Great show, I even scored a set list, not bad with seats up top! I noticed photographers were in the back, thought that was interesting, there was one photographer roaming freely the entire show, he was in front and on the stage, guess he works for McCartney. Tim you might try and hit up McCartney's crew for some of those photos, I bet they are amazing!

FANTASTIC show! Before I went home, I stopped at a Quik Trip - a 22 year-old immigrant waited on me. I mentioned I was coming back from seeing PAUL MCCARTNEY. The worker asked me if Sir PAUL did any Beatles songs, I told him yes he DID. He asked me what the point was - he said, "I mean - what's the point? BEATLES songs are over forty years old now". I think this kid was SERIOUS! It's like: what planet dropped you here on Earth,Hadji?

It was indeed a stellar Rock event last night and I am still coming down from the musical euphoria, which may well satisfy me for months to come. I had to work 12 hours yesterday, getting off at 6 P.M. and trekked down to the Sprint Center (I work three blocks away), enjoyed a show that was even better than I had hoped, and got back to another 12 hours of work at 6 A.M. this morning, and thanks to massive doses of sugar-free RED BULL (the liquid equivalent of Blue Meth) I have survived the weekend and am listening to the "Band On The Run" CD as I write this.

Truly, this is easily one of the best Arena shows I've ever witnessed (and I've seen a bunch) and possibly in my top 10 shows ever. For me, It was that fantastic. There was a celebratory feel in the air and the only blemish was the eternal anticipation as we sat through the bland 30 minute 'montage' on the video screens, which stalled the show's already late start. I thought it would last a few minutes, but I was wrong. Didn't matter though, as the crowd was in such good spirits and despite the controversial ticket prices (I sat up in the cheap seats with no jewelry to rattle), we ALL got our moneys worth last night and more.

But from the time Paul and his fine band hit the stage, they put on a show that was paced beautifully and even the two or three newer songs I wasn't familiar with sounded great. Picking a favorite moment last night is just too difficult, as so much of the show was absolutely wonderful. "Back In The U.S.S.R" and "Jet" completely ROCKED. Hearing the joyous riff from "Day Tripper." The beautiful vocals on "Eleanor Rigby." The trippy section of "A Day In The Life." Getting to hear "Let It Be" live, which was my favorite song as a wee lad. Nope, I won't forget this show anytime soon. Hopefully never.........

Great show! As a Silent Film fan, I enjoyed Paul's use of clips from Fritz Lang's 1927 film, METROPOLIS, during "Let 'EM In." A minute detail, but it was cool. As for last night's show, if a 68 year-old can put on such a energetic and lengthy show, I am personally going to throttle the next 'Classic' band or artist that I see at a Casino (or elsewhere), that walks off the stage after playing an hour and change (Cheap Trick, you have been put on NOTICE!).

One of the best shows I have ever caught by anybody. We drove down from Lincoln. It was well worth the trip, and this is the 7th time I have caught a McCartney show. It was probably the longest, and his voice was spot on all night, and he never took a break. Damn few younger performers could do a roughly three hour show without loosing their voice, and his did not even crack. Just impossible! Hardy Holm KZUM 89.3 FM in Lincoln NE

Have you seen Sir PAUL'S tour setlists? Try - google in 'Setlists FM'. He changes his set lists around on every tour - it seems. The man is simply amazing! JUST in case he ever does return, I will be there.

It was an awesome concert! I'm still trying to return to earth! My only disappointment was not hearing "Kansas City", which he has always played previously when here. For some reason, he kept thinking he was in Kansas...must be jet-lagging from so much travel.

PM recent tour seems limited and touring places that weren't played or, been to in a while. Nashville, TN is todday at the 'Bridgestone Arena' and all these arenas have changing naming rights.

His tour didn't go to other major metros nearby such as, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Denver and Texas cities. You would get a lot of out of town people on his current tour. I don't know and perhaps already hit these places earlier this year, but don't think so.

Spy's Like Us from the movie of the same name wasn't listed on set list.

Was I at the same show as everyone else? I thought his voice was strained and flat. The stark contrast of the fireman and Wings stuff with the classic Beatles material was jarring at best. What you saw as energy, i saw as an unmitigated cheese-fest. I know he's Sir Paul, but a little humility on his part would have been welcome.

Perhaps the experience on the lower level was drastically different, but at a minimum $200, I just couldn't swing the good seats.

And Tim, I have to really disagree with any Springsteen comparisons. McCartney did not have 1/10th of Springsteen's energy at any time during the show on Saturday. I left this weekend feeling disappointed, every Springsteen show I have left feeling like I was a revival.

Wow - Debbie Downer... (whaa,whaaa)
Great review Tim, I got chills while reading this! I missed this show due to a previous commitment which I could not get out of. However my two oldest sons did get to attend. I did see Paul at the Pepsi Center in Denver a week and half ago (from the upper level) and it was unbelievably great. Unfortunately he did not perform I've Just Seen A Face or And I Love Her in Denver. But he did do I'm Looking Through You which was cool.
I have posted a couple of videos from the Denver show on youtube for Sing The Changes and Paperback Writer.
Thanks again Tim.

My husband and I have been blessed to see Sir Paul two years in a row. The man is a consummate professional, a survivor and puts on a show that is the best in every aspect and enjoys it as much as the crowd does. The live sound is just as good, if not better, than the recorded version. His voice is still a treasure worth hearing and hasn't lost much at all. No other artist has his catalog of music to select from - there will never be another Paul McCartney and if we skipped a few other concerts and maybe a few dinners out to be able to afford this show - it was well worth it.

I didn't attend this show due to a prior commitment, but did see Paul play live in 1976, 1990 and 1993. Thanks to a previous post I now have a decent recording of Saturday's show that I've been able to listen to at home. To my ear Paul was in fine voice in Kansas City, and the band played up to their usual high standard. The fact that he can perform this well at age 68 is a testament to good genes, a disciplined work ethic and a healthy lifestyle.

I read your review yesterday and I thought it captured the concert perfectly...well done! My 19-year-old daughter, two of her friends and myself drove four hours from the St. Louis area to attend the concert (I was able to get (4) balcony tickets off of Craigs List for $350 total). Although I've seen Sir Paul three times previous over the last twenty years, this one will stay with me for a long time. A splendid time was indeed guaranteed for all!!

There were no 'cheap' tickets to be had that night. My husband and I went down there to try to score a couple from people out front like we have a few times in the past and it just didn't happen. The only people selling tickets we selling them at face value and the cheapest I heard was $140 for 1 single, a friend of mine bought. I knew several other people there waiting to find tickets like us and they finally broke down and bought them at the box office for $185 each. We waited until the show started and even the scalpers were sold out and gone in to watch the show.

We declined to pay the big bucks because we already had our big thrill by going to the Hollywood Bowl in May and seeing Peter Gabriel.

I'm so glad the show was a dazzling event and everyone got their moneys worth. Ram on...

Penny, you are are awesome. I respect you more than anyone here. Great for you going down there. You gave it a helluva try, but in the end .... I agree .... fkhim and those stupid tickets prices. It hurts to see the set list, but I have a fat wallet today.

After seeing too many GREAT shows for $7.50-$50.00 over the years, I am just not going to give bucoomoney to a billionaire for the pleasure of seeing his show from 30 rows back.

I dont blame Paul, it is the game these days, but it is not for me. it is so sad. I am sad:(

I admit,
The odd thing is...
I would have paid $250-$300.00 for a 1st or 2nd row ticket with no problem. I have done it before ( paid scalped prices for killerseats ) many times, but $250.00(face value) 30 rows back .... NO WAY!!

I dont sit upstairs.
I refuse to go to see lil dolls 2 football fields away(upstairs is like hell for me). I have seen the "whites of thier eyes" of all of rock and rolls greats, and that only happens up close ..... anyway...

Good LORD, Stacey, don't even know why you bothered going to McCartney's show Saturday night. How anyone can be so negative in an atmosphere that Festive and Grand says more about YOU than it does McCartney. Like a former ex-girlfriend of mine, there is just NO pleasing you, but I digress. Tsk, tsk....such negativity, but at least you actually went to the show and gave your opinion on it. Duly noted.

As for McCartney being "cheesy," I just think that's a load of cynical crap, personally. If you thrive on negativity and cynicism, you probably thought Paul was schmaltzy or cheesy. But for the other 99 % of us there with a bit more optimism, we saw an artist so confident in his abilities and so comfortable in his own skin, that GOD FORBID, he was actually having FUN up there performing for us. How DARE him!

To most, McCartney's good spirits and constant smile were just infectious and even a little bit righteous. As for McCartney "doing" Lennon, it seemed like a nice showing of respect and a heartfelt bit of tribute, much like "Something" was for Mr. Harrison. MOST of us did have great fun the other night and do actually realize that Paul at 68 isn't as perfect as he was at his peak, but he's still puts on a hell of a show.

Stacey - COME ON!! While BRUCE may be (one of) THE rock superstar of the '70's and / or '80's - he BY NO means is near as an experience like catching Sir PAUL. I mean - we were in the PRESENCE of rock royalty. Who's with me on this?

I agree with hoopstar that Bruce is boring---his music stayed the same throughout his career. The Beatles and Paul's music continually evolved and was always (to me) amazing and timeless. I have purchased almost all the Beatles recordings---I may have the one big Bruce CD but never listen to it anymore, nor would I buy another. Still listen to the Beatles! They are the greatest!!

Sorry, Stacey but next time you might be better served blasting their mothers. One minor criticism along with an apparently blasphemous comparison and Macca Fan turns all Rush Nerd. Peace and love to all.

It still didn't seem to me that she was bringing all this supposed negativity and absolutely ruining the gushfest as she's basically been accused of. Stacey's only 'sin' is having the audacity to criticise Sir Paul's actual performance (voice, energy level and cheese factor). Clearly she's in the minority but as a paying customer of said performance (just like the rest of you), her OPINION is just as valid as anyone else's in this space.

“CHEESE FACTOR” HAS BECOME A CATCH PHRASE A LOT LATELY ON BTR. USED IN REFERENCE TO BRUCE QUITE A BIT. IT SEEMS TO APPLY TO ANY PERFORMER THAT UNDERSTANDS THEY ARE PLAYING MUSIC AND PUTTING ON A SHOW. PAUL MCCARTNEY WAS A LITTLE GOOFY AND SILLY WITH HIS BETWEEN SONG BANTER BUT IT WAS NOT OVERDONE IN ANYWAY. THAT WAS ALWAYS THE BEATLES HUMOR. BRUCE IS CERTAINLY AWARE THAT MUSIC IS JUST PART OF THE STORY – HE IS THERE TO PUT ON A SHOW EVERYONE WILL REMEMBER. I WELCOME PERFORMERS TO ENGAGE THE AUDIENCE. SO I DON’T REALLY GET THE CHEESE FACTOR CRITICISM. SOME PERFORMERS GET AWAY WITHOUT ENGAGING THE AUDIENCE MUCH – DYLAN AND CLAPTON COME TO MIND. BUT I REMEMBER HOW BORING I THOUGHT KINGS OF LEON WERE. THEY STOOD THERE LIKE STATUES FOR THE ENTIRE SHOW AND PLAYED THE SONGS EXACTLY THE WAY THEY SOUND ON RECORD. NO CHARISMA AT ALL. SO I GUESS NO CHEESE FACTOR. BILLY JO ARMSTRONG WAS FULLY AWARE HE WAS DOING A SHOW AND ENGAGED THE AUDIENCE FROM BEGINNING TO END. SO I GUESS GREEN DAY HAS A HIGH CHEESE FACTOR. I LOVED IT.